From the Valleys Newsroom...

Rhondda Outlaws vs. Blue Bulls Result

It was a massive effort for Rhondda Outlaws but they couldn’t quite beat last year’s champions, as they went down 38-32 to Bridgend Blue Bulls.

After Rhondda blew a chance to take the lead when the ball was dropped near to the line, Bridgend made them pay and from a well-worked attack, Gareth Howells placed the ball near to the sticks but sliced the conversion wide of the right post.

They levelled on 20 minutes. Daf Smith wriggled his way through from a scrum. Kevin James’ conversion attempt hit the post.

From the restart Bridgend regained the lead after Howells dived over with his conversion this time going past the left post.

Howells ran over for his hat-trick on the half-hour, placing the ball under the sticks and landing the goal to put Bridgend 14-4 up.

A good run from Shaun Ware gave Outlaws a try back five minutes before the interval with James’ kick going wide.

But straight from kick-off, Bridgend’s Ross Jones pounced on a dropped ball to address the balance with Nathan Hawkins converting and there was still time for Rory Bodenham to run in a fifth try for Bridgend making it 24-8 at the break.

It only took a minute of the first half for John Lloyd to add to Bridgend’s score with an unconverted try.

Outlaws soon hit back when Richie Lewis burst through and Mike Herbert converted. Mark Jones soon followed him over and the difference was back to 10 points.

But Bridgend weren’t going to let this slip. Lloyd got his second try of the game and Howells his fourth, converting the second of the tries and the score was up to 38-18.

Outlaws weren’t finished yet. Herbert and Lee Griffiths both scored unconverted tries in the corner. Andrew Prouse scored the final try with James converting as the final whistle went.

Rhondda Outlaws host Bridgend Blue Bulls in a WRL Premier League fixture at Sardis Road in Pontypridd this Saturday (kick-off 2.30pm), but it could be their last match there unless they can find extra funds to play there.

They could also be forced out of the Rhondda unless they can find an alternative ground with suitable facilities for the 2018 season.

Rhondda Cynon Taff County Council are wanting to rest a number of their grass pitches before the rugby union season starts in August, but they could be unaware that the lack of competitive scrums, rucks or mauls in league, coupled with the more free-flowing style of play, means that the pitches don’t get torn up as much in the 13-man game.

The club have approached Porth and Rhydyfelin rugby union clubs, both of whom have suitable facilities, but the council have refused them access.

The Outlaws have just the one home game left for 2017, a rearranged fixture against West Wales Raiders on a date to be confirmed, so they are now fund-raising so they can pay the rent to Pontypridd RFC.

Coach James Allen said

“Any donations to assist the club would be most grateful. The best thing everyone can do is to come along to our game against Bridgend this Saturday, support the team and show everyone that this is a Rugby League club we can be proud of.

“We’ve had fantastic support from the local media. The Pontypridd Observer highlighted us this week and we’ve some great stuff coming out of the GTFM radio station, who will be at the ground on Saturday doing live updates on their Season Ticket programme.

“Everybody thought they would put 100 points past us but we have really held our own against much more established teams. We haven’t won a game yet, but we are confident we can get a win before the end of the season.”

Rhondda AM Leanne Wood is supporting the Outlaws’ attempts to establish a permanent, affordable home ground.

“I have called upon the council, as the owner of many grounds in the area, to do what they can to help the fledging rugby league side which has already achieved much in its infancy.

“It would be a real shame if the Rhondda were to lose this rugby league team because they couldn’t find a pitch to play on that was affordable. A move away from the Rhondda would undoubtedly impact on the prospects of any local youngsters looking to take up the game as well.

“Losing the Outlaws would also run counter to efforts to encourage people to be fit, active and lead a healthy lifestyle. I therefore hope a solution can be found and fast.”

Bridgend Blue Bulls beat Torfaen Tigers at home last week so they will be itching to get another victory to help their charge for the semi-finals.

Who Are We?

GTFM serves Pontypridd and RCT County Borough in South Wales, centred where the Rhondda and Taff Valleys meet. It’s an area famous for it’s coal mining heritage, plus Male Voice Choirs and Rugby alongside Tom Jones and The Stereophonics!

GTFM echoes it’s area’s ‘larger-than-life’ personality and directly encourages listeners to get involved in the community, especially through volunteering.

It’s ‘Music of your Life plus local news’ approach has made it the market leading radio station in its primary area, which in turn helps GTFM ‘make a difference’ in the communities it serves.

Founded in 1999, GTFM started full-time broadcasts in 2002 as part of a Radio Authority ‘Access Radio’ trial on a not-for-profit basis, later becoming a registered charity and the first Ofcom Community Radio licensee Wales in 2006.